| Man United vs Leeds | |
| MATCH | Club Friendlies |
| DATE | 13 - 08 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.00 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Stadium |
Leeds United vs Manchester United Preview: Red Devils Face In-Form Whites in Dublin Friendly
Leeds United and Manchester United renew one of English football’s fiercest rivalries when they meet in a high-profile pre-season friendly in Dublin on Wednesday.
Both clubs have enjoyed encouraging preparations for the 2026-27 campaign, and with only a couple of friendlies remaining before the Premier League returns, this clash should provide a strong indication of where each side stands heading into the new season.
Leeds carrying momentum into final warm-up games
Leeds began their pre-season with a narrow 3-2 defeat to Wrexham on July 25, but Daniel Farke’s side have responded in impressive fashion by winning their next three matches.
The Whites have beaten Sunderland 1-0, stunned Liverpool 4-2 and then produced another eye-catching performance with a 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig.
Leeds will also face Augsburg later this week before opening their Premier League season against Nottingham Forest on August 22.
The Yorkshire club have strengthened their squad with the signings of Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford, while the departure of Pascal Struijk to Brighton & Hove Albion has been their most significant outgoing move of the summer.
After finishing 14th in last season’s Premier League, eight points above the relegation zone, Farke will be hoping his side can make a noticeable step forward this term.
Leeds will also take confidence from their most recent meeting with Manchester United, having secured a 2-1 win at Old Trafford on April 13 in last season’s league campaign.
Manchester United looking sharp under Carrick
Manchester United have also produced a strong pre-season under Michael Carrick.
The Red Devils opened with a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham but then bounced back emphatically, thrashing Rosenborg 5-0 before defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1.
Their latest outing was arguably the most encouraging of all, as United held reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-1 draw.
After facing Leeds in Dublin, Carrick’s side will complete their preparations against AC Milan before beginning the new Premier League season at home to Hull City on August 22.
United have already added Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow to their squad, and further business is expected before the transfer window closes.
A third-place finish last season secured a return to the Champions League, and optimism is growing that the Red Devils could emerge as genuine title challengers in 2026-27.
Team news
Leeds are expected to continue with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the attack after the striker scored three goals during pre-season.
New signings Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson should both start, while former Manchester United winger Daniel James is likely to feature from the opening whistle.
Goalkeeper James Trafford could make his debut for the Whites.
Manchester United are close to full strength, with Manuel Ugarte the only senior player unavailable during the club’s training camp in the Republic of Ireland.
Matthijs de Ligt is still working his way back from a long-term back injury, while Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez have rejoined the squad.
Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens have recovered from illness, and highly anticipated signing Benjamin Sesko could make his first appearance of pre-season.
Carrick is expected to recall Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Youri Tielemans, while Mason Mount is unlikely to be risked despite being fit again.
Match prediction
Leeds have been one of the most impressive teams of pre-season and their aggressive pressing could cause problems for United, especially in the early stages.
However, Manchester United appear to be building strong momentum of their own, and the quality of players such as Bruno Fernandes, Rashford and Cunha may ultimately prove decisive.
With both teams in good scoring form, an entertaining contest looks likely.
Prediction: Leeds United 2-3 Manchester United
Leeds should make this a competitive and open game, but United’s greater attacking depth and experience could help the Red Devils edge a lively five-goal encounter in Dublin.
